Itchen Valley Park, 16th Oct - 8th Nov 26
Hampshire is ready to welcome you for an unforgettable year of culture, coast and great days out. Whether you love historic cities, family‑friendly attractions or beautiful countryside, you’ll find plenty of Hampshire events to enjoy across the county in every season.
From city celebrations and outdoor festivals to family attractions and seasonal events, Hampshire offers an exciting calendar of events throughout 2026. This autumn in Portsmouth, the city celebrates its 100th anniversary, with the return of the colourful International Kite Festival filling the skies above Southsea Common (F) 12 - 13 September, whilst in November, We Shine returns, with light illuminations and displays from 19 - 21 November (F). In Winchester, its the fantastic annual torchlight procession and fireworks display that is a must for the diary, (7 November) filling the streets of this historic town with families, friends, visitors and residents alike, whilst in Basingstoke there's a whole host of spooktacular free family-fun this October half term in the town centre.
Don't miss the chance to enjoy the thrilling Go Ape experience by night this autumn at Itchen Valley Park, Southampton (16 October - 8 November), or miss the UK's biggest Oktoberfest at Southampton Guildhall Square, with music, Bavarian food and a themed marquee (23 - 24 October). Pick up a new autumn wardrode with a visit to John Lewis at WestQuay, or join their upcoming home design talk for some great ideas to refresh your decor (16 October) - a great all-weather day out. Enjoy the changing of the season with the Jane Austen circular walk, a four and half mile trail that starts from Jane Austen's House and explores some of East Hampshire's beautiful countryside.
From scenic coastlines and vibrant events to cosy villages, walking trails and excellent places to eat, Hampshire is the ideal destination for a short break or longer escape. Start planning your 2026 summer adventure today and discover some of the county's top events, attractions and experiences.
Grab your calendar and take a look at what's happening in Hampshire over the coming months with our featured events list or scroll to the bottom and discover hundreds of events happening today, this weekend and across this year. From coastal festivals and city celebrations to countryside walks, food experiences and family attractions, Hampshire offers one of the most varied events calendars in South East England.
You can find a wide range of events taking place across Hampshire today and this weekend, including theatre shows, interactive workshops, wildlife experiences and outdoor events in the Hampshire countryside. Use the date filters above, or browse the listings to find lots of inspiration and ideas for something happening near you. Families on a budget can look out for the many free events (Free) taking place.
If you're travelling from outside the county for an event in Hampshire, there are numerous hotels and other accommodation options to suit your needs. Search Hampshire accommodation to plan your stay, whether your choose the coastal city of Portsmouth or Southampton, Winchester - the ancient capital of England - or a more rural stay in Chawton or Alton, East Hampshire.
Yes, Hampshire hosts a wide range of family-friendly events throughout the year, from nature trails, outdoor festivals, science fairs and interactive school holiday activities. Use the 'type filter' in the search box above and choose family to find suitable events. During the summer holidays and key seasonal periods, you'll find even more events designed for children and families, with activities suitable for all ages.
Yes. South Western Railway connects more than 50 stations across Hampshire with London Waterloo, Vauxhall and Clapham Junction making a day trip or weekend break easy from London. Book your rail tickets and enjoy your next event in Hampshire.
The guide below shows our full calendar of events in Hampshire. Whether you're looking for what's on this weekend or planning further ahead, you'll find plenty of inspiration. If you're local or visiting Hampshire for the first time, use the 'Map View' button to discover events happening near you.
Some of the events below take place on the Isle of Wight, which is easily accessible by ferry or hovercraft from Portsmouth or Lymington.
Number of results: 152
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Arts
Romsey
The Association for Contemporary Jewellery (ACJ) Wessex proudly presents Winter Jewels 2026, an inspiring exhibition of handcrafted jewellery by leading studio makers from across Hampshire, Dorset, and Wiltshire.
Festival
Southsea
The annual Southsea Food Festival is back for 2025!
Sporting Event
Freshwater
Chilly Hilly returns to the Isle of Wight on 13 December 2026, offering runners a challenging 10-mile cross-country route through the stunning landscapes of the West Wight. With spectacular views, demanding hills and a friendly community atmosphere,…
Exhibitions
Chawton
Step into the glittering world of Georgian evenings and discover what made a truly magical night out in Hampshire with the new Chawton House exhibition: Dressing Up: Fashion and Nightlife in Eighteenth-Century Hampshire.
Food
Whitchurch
Enjoy an afternoon at Bombay Sapphire Distillery, with an upgrade to add a Bombay Sapphire gin cocktail.
Childrens Events
New Forest
Step into a world of autumnal magic and treasured memories this October half-term at Beaulieu.
Heritage & History
Ryde
Discover a unique weekend of railway heritage, historic locomotives and seasonal ales at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway's Shunt Fest and Dark Ales Festival.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Winchester
Dig for fossils, wade into the wonders of The Chalk Stream and climb, crawl and explore Dormouse Den at Winchester Science Centre with their three outdoor exhibits exploring the local environment. From ancient seas and crystal-clear chalk streams to…
Festival
Ovington, Alresford
A world of unity, creativity & freedom, Boomtown Fair is a four day festival set in the Matterley bowl in Hampshire, UK on the second weekend of August. Boomtown fuses a diverse line-up of underground and global music with boundary pushing immersive…
Food
Whiteley
Join us at Parson's Collar to create your own pizza with your favourite toppings, cooked in our pizza oven.
Christmas
Petersfield
Petersfield Christmas Market is back for 2026
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sarson Lane, Andover
Friday December 4, Saturday 5, Friday 11, Saturday 12
Doors open 5:30pm | Flying display commences 7pm
Kick off the festive season with a magical evening with the Hawk Conservancy Trust's owls! They'll be flying their awesome owls under moonlight…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Southampton
Go Ape Sundown Adventures are back for autumn 2026 at Go Ape Southampton, offering a new level of forest fun in the evenings after dark.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Farnham
Take on the Halloween Potion Hunt, a ‘spell-tacular’ addition to Go Ape Alice Holt’s Treetop and Nets Adventures. Combining nets, high ropes crossings, zip wires and a seasonal trail, this special event adds an extra twist to the Go Ape family…
Free Event
Portsmouth
Portsmouth Pride returns to Southsea on 12 June 2027, with live entertainment, great music and a welcoming atmosphere on Castle Field.
Sporting Event
Cowes
Isle of Wight sailing race The annual Round the Island Race, organised by the Island Sailing Club, is a one-day yacht race around the Isle of Wight. The race regularly attracts over 1,000 boats and thousands of sailors, making it one of the largest…
Food
Winchester
Join us at Winchester Royal Hotel for a delightful afternoon of sipping tea, eating delicious food inspired by Jane Austen's time
Fireworks
Hayling Island
Funland Hayling Island have 2 nights of mischievous merriment taking place on Saturday 24th and Friday 30th October 2026.
Childrens Events
Churchill Way West, Basingstoke
Something strange is happening at Milestones this October half term. An extraordinary Science Fair is underway in Basingstoke - but it's missing one thing... it needs judges.
Health & Wellbeing
Waterlooville
Join us round the fire in one of our historic buildings for an evening of yoga, relaxation, and personal growth in one of our monthly yoga classes.
© Visit South East England 2026. All Rights Reserved
.png){kind=icon}
